Summer 2025 travel already breaking records: Our top tips to keep you sane
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the busy summer travel season. Despite some warnings about falling demand, the summer travel kickoff was another one for the record books.
May 23, the Friday before the long holiday weekend, was the third-busiest day ever for the Transportation Security Administration, with the agency screening more than 3 million people.
If Memorial Day weekend is any indication, it's going to be a busy summer for both domestic and international travel.
Record-breaking summer travel expected
Airlines for America is forecasting another record summer travel season, telling TPG that "U.S. airlines will carry 272 million passengers from June 1 through August 31. To accommodate this demand, U.S. airlines will operate 27,000 flights daily — up 4 percent from last year." That is 1,000 additional flights year-over-year.
To give some context, A4A estimated 271 million people would travel in 2024, and the year before just 255 million.
Related: Finding the best summer flight deals: How to score cheap airfare, even at the last minute
"Premium and international demand this summer are expected to remain strong, with the top foreign destinations for U.S. airlines projected to be Mexico, Canada, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom and Italy," said A4A.
U.S. airlines performed fairly well over the long Memorial Day weekend despite a series of thunderstorms that led to delays and cancellations in Colorado and Texas. Airlines appear to be recovering more quickly without the cataclysmic failures in the system we saw back in 2022 and 2023.
Still, it's better to be prepared for anything. Here are a few of my top tips to help you stay sane this summer.
Reserve parking
As travel demand has increased, so too has the need for airport parking. We are increasingly seeing "sold out" signs pop up at many airport parking lots.
To ensure you aren't stuck searching for a spot that may or may not exist, lock in that reservation now. Most airport parking lots offer prepaid or reserved parking, making it easy to book in advance. You may even find the rates are cheaper when you book ahead of time.
Related: Don't forget to do this before heading to the airport this summer
Allow extra time
It's going to be busy at the airport this summer, and you should plan accordingly. While we aren't seeing the staffing shortages of a few years ago, there are only so many baggage handlers, ticket counter employees and security screeners. And remember — an ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers is messing things up and leading to delays and cancellations at airports like Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
My mantra for this summer (and the one many of my TPG colleagues share) is that you're better safe than sorry. That's why we suggest getting to the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights — you just never know these days. And modern airports have so many conveniences and attractions that it's not the worst thing to have a little extra time at the lounge or even to do some shopping.
Related: How to find cheap summer flight deals
Get Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Clear — or all 3
At TPG, we always recommend using any security shortcuts, including enrolling in a Trusted Traveler Program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
With these programs, the government essentially prescreens you for security, saving you a bit of time during your travels. You'll need to apply ahead of time and pay a fee. The great news, though, is that many credit cards will give you a statement credit for these fees.
Related: 8 ways to get free or discounted TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and Clear
TSA PreCheck allows you to speed through airport security without removing your shoes, laptops or liquids. Meanwhile, with Global Entry, you can breeze through customs when you return from an international trip.
We recommend getting Global Entry rather than simply TSA PreCheck. Global Entry requires an interview with U.S. Customs and Border Protection ahead of time, but once you're approved, TSA PreCheck will be included.
We also like Clear, another security program that allows you to bypass security lines. While Clear isn't always faster, it will still generally lead to shorter lines. A Clear membership combined with TSA PreCheck will enable you to move even quicker at airports with designated Clear/TSA PreCheck lines.
Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
Be smart when you are booking
Things can and do go wrong. Travelers these days have to be their own best advocates.
Book better
Think through each booking you make. Try to find a nonstop flight instead of a flight with multiple connections to reduce the risk of missing a flight or being delayed. This will also lessen the chance of having your luggage lost or misplaced.
We also recommend you take one of the first flights of the day, as early flights are less likely to face weather disruptions like afternoon thunderstorms — meaning they're more likely to depart on time.
Related: Flight canceled or delayed? Here's what to do next
Knowledge is power
Make sure you are tracking your flight and the weather.
Download your airline's mobile app to keep track of potential flight delays in real time. Airline apps are your secret weapon in case things go wrong. Not only will you know when boarding starts, but you'll also learn of any delays first. Some airlines even allow you to rebook yourself in the app (or buy yourself an upgrade) — and if your flight is canceled, you'll want to beat everyone else on your flight who is also looking to get rebooked.
In the event of a cancellation or delay, we recommend heading to the main customer service desk ASAP (or the one at a lounge, if you have access). You could also get on the phone with the airline or contact the carrier via social media if there's a delay. Sometimes, an airline's social media representative will help you faster than a phone or in-person agent. You have to use every tool at your disposal when things go wrong.
Many airlines also now have live chat capabilities to help navigate delays and cancellations.
I always have an alternate plan (or two) in the back of my mind in case a flight gets canceled or delayed. I also look to see what other airlines are flying the route I'm taking in case something goes awry. This way, I'll know what to ask for if I need to be rebooked.
I also like using Flightradar24 to track my flights, plus an app called Flighty. The latter helps me keep an eye on my flights and will often let me know before anyone else (even the airline) if there is a problem with my flight.
You can also use Google to track your flight. Simply put in the airline and flight number to see your flight status.
Know your rights
There's good news regarding passenger rights: The latest set of Department of Transportation rules established last spring are quite passenger-friendly, requiring airlines to promptly refund passengers if they cancel their flights (or make a significant adjustment to the schedule).
You are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment within a week if you paid by credit card and within three weeks if you used another payment method. This applies to flights delayed by three or more hours if flying within the U.S. and by at least six hours if flying internationally. Keep in mind, though, that airlines are only required to refund passengers who don't use their tickets. If you accept the airline rebooking option, you won't get a refund.
If you find yourself dealing with a delay or cancellation, remember to save all the receipts for the expenses you incur. You'll want excellent documentation in case of meltdowns like the one Southwest Airlines passengers experienced during the 2022 winter holidays.
Related reading:
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